Condor Racing
Friday's task was another technical race through small windows, a rapid half-an-hour of fun round 72kms in the mountains near Geneva.
A record of 11 gliders lined up for a winch launch at Annemasse, whilst waiting for everyone to be ready to start, some explored the first ridge and others inspected the facilties at Geneva airport.
The first two 300ft high windows were along the into-wind ridge with everyone gaining some height ready to cross the valley. Stewart and Dan providing guidance for the newbies to this kind of task.
With a straight 15kms glide across the valley there was some height needed to make the next gate, and then using a choice of ridges some patient climbing was needed to achieve the Balme turnpoint on top of the mountain at 7,723ft.
Another into wind ridge made the run through the col and another high level window easy. But then there were exclamations as the finish window came into view and there was more than 6,000ft to lose in just 6.4kms without pulling the wings off!
DC was top of the leaderboard after the first exploratory race at 149kph and no penalties.
Then it was time for a second run with some crew changes, so only 8 lined up for the rerun with others spectating. With everyone familiar with the route, the race was on with Dan and Stewart completing the run at over 170kph. Another one of those tasks where times can be improved. Great fun, come and join us. - J&P
